auld
as the Bible yet, John, and it's ill praising green barley."

"Now, Andrew, I think--"

"Tut, tut, John, I'se no sit i' Rome and strive wi' the pope; there's
naething ill said, you ken, if it's no ill taken."

John smiled tolerantly, and indeed there was no longer time for
further discussion, for the shepherds from the hills and the farmers
from the glen had heard of David's return, and were hurrying to
Cargill to see him. Mysie saw that there would be a goodly company,
and the long harvest-table was brought in and a feast of
thanksgiving spread. Conversation in that house could only set one
way, and after all had eaten and David had told his story again, one
old man after another spoke of the dangers they had encountered and
the spiritual foes they had conquered.

Whether it was the speaking, or the sympathy of numbers, or some
special influence of the Holy Ghost, I know not; but suddenly Andrew
lifted his noble old head and spoke thus:

"Frien's, ye hae some o' you said ill things o' yoursel's, but to the
sons o' God there is nae condemnation; not that I hae been althegither
faultless, but I meant weel, an' the lad was a wilfu' lad, and ye ken
what the wisest o' men said anent such. Just and right has been my
walk before you, but--still--" Then, with a sudden passion, and rising
to his feet, he cried out, "Frien's, I'm a poor sinfu' man, but I'll
play no mair pliskies wi' my conscience. I hae dootless been a hard
master, hard and stern, and loving Sinai far beyond Bethlehem. Hard
was I to my lad, and hard hae I been to the wife o' my bosom, and hard
hae I been to my ain heart. It has been my ain will and my ain way all
my life lang. God forgie me! God forgie me! for this night he has
brought my sins to my remembrance. I hae been your elder for mair than
forty years, but I hae ne'er been worthy to carry his holy vessels.
I'll e'en sit i' the lowest seat henceforward."

"Not so," said John. And there was such eager praise, and such warm
love rose from every mouth, that words began to fail, and as the old
man sat down smiling, happier than he had ever been before, song took
up the burden speech laid down; for John started one of those old
triumphant Methodist hymns, and the rafters shook to the melody, and
the stars heard it, and the angels in heaven knew a deeper joy.
Singing, the company departed, and Andrew, standing in the moonlight
between David and John, watched the groups scatter hither and thither,
a